UK: Manorial Documents Register

DearREADERS,
Just ran across some notes I took of Audrey Collins' presentations to the Fairfax Genealogical Society's spring conference. Audrey is the Family History Specialist at The National Archives (UK) and can be reached at acollins@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Of particular interest was a part of The National Archives website devoted to manor records, known as the Manorial Documents Register, for England and Wales. These can predate the parish registers in the localities where my Welsh ancestors once lived.

Being so US-centric in my genealogy research, I don't often spotlight UK resources. However, as I begin to delve into this gem of a record group, I've found the following research guides which may prove useful to my DearREADERS.

• Manorial Records in The National Archives
• Manor and Other Local Court Rolls, 13th Century - 1922
• The Manorial Documents Register and Manorial Lordships

Apparently one had to obtain permission to marry from the lord of the manor. "Recording the proceedings of public, franchise and manorial courts, they contain a wealth of information concerning local issues, the most significant of which are the ownership and occupation of land and the enforcement of law and order. They are especially useful sources for genealogists and local historians, providing information about the lowest members of the social hierarchy."
See: http://tinyurl.com/2c3uxns

Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
Your friend in genealogy.
Myrt@DearMYRTLE.com